They were remanded in custody to appear before Birmingham Crown Court on November 8.

Azail Khan also faces charges of possessing ammunition and a firearm without a certificate and possessing a prohibited weapon.

One of the two other men had already been released on police bail. Today a fifth man, aged 23, from Handsworth, was also released on police bail until

the injury-hit December. Meanwhile residents and traders from Handsworth are demanding the city council holds a public inquiry into what sparked the disturbances in Lozells.

The petition, which was delivered personally to council leader Coun Mike Whitby on the steps of the Council House in Victoria Square, has been signed by seven major groups.

Those backing the petition include the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras, the Indian Workers' Association, Handsworth and Rookery Road Traders' Associations, the South Asian Alliance and Copthall Road Residents.

They are demanding answers to questions regarding how and why the trouble started and want assurances that the root causes will be addressed. n In response to the disturbances in Lozells the City Council has launched the Lozells Information Line.

The line is staffed by specially trained officers from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and will provide advice and assistance to local residents and traders affected by the disturbances.

Callers will be able to pass on information and intelligence to the police and council and also receive advice and support from Victim Support.